ADC Leadership Crisis Deepens as Federal High Court Bars INEC from Recognizing Caretaker-Led Congresses

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik bars David Mark-led ADC committee from state congresses, ordering INEC to ignore interim leadership appointments.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 8:08 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Legit.ng

Fresh Judicial Intervention in ADC Leadership Dispute

The ongoing internal conflict within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reached a critical juncture on Wednesday, April 29, as the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a fresh restraining order against the party’s interim leadership. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered a judgment that effectively freezes the efforts of the Senator David Mark-led caretaker committee to overhaul the party’s state-level structures. The ruling prevents the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from participating in or validating any congresses organized by the interim body, marking a significant victory for the party’s established state executives.

Restraining High-Profile Party Figures

The court’s directive specifically bars prominent political figures, including former Senate President David Mark and other members of the Caretaker/Interim National Working Committee, from interfering in the activities of elected state chairpersons. This judgment protects the current tenure of these executives, ensuring they remain the recognized authorities within their respective states. The ruling suggests that any attempt by the national interim body to displace these state structures without following constitutional due process constitutes a violation of the party’s internal governance rules.

Legal Challenge Led by State Chairpersons

The legal action was initiated by Don Norman Obinna and six other party members who filed the suit on behalf of the ADC state chairpersons and executive committees. The plaintiffs argued that the interim national leadership sought to undermine the democratic mandate of the state-level organs. By granting the restraining order, the court has upheld the autonomy of the state chapters, affirming that the national caretaker committee lacks the unilateral power to dissolve or bypass existing state executive committees in the organization of congresses.